What happened
On the morning of 3 September 2000, a student pilot was conducting flight training maneuvers at Messina aerodrome. While performing his third circuit of the day, the pilot noted another aircraft preparing for takeoff on Runway 12. Due to technical difficulties with his radio equipment and a desire to avoid increased traffic density, the pilot decided to terminate the session early.
After landing on Runway 12, the pilot began taxiing toward the apron at an estimated speed of between 8 and 15 km/h. Approximately 150 meters from the touchdown point, the Sycamore Mk1 began veering toward the right. The pilot reported hearing a distinct rhythmic thumping sound followed by a grinding noise. As the aircraft continued its rightward veer, it began to roll. In an attempt to correct the movement, the pilot steered left, but this maneuver caused the aircraft to swing sharply and eventually overturn onto its starboard side.
The investigation
The incident resulted in no fatalities, though the pilot sustained injuries to his right forearm, the back of his head, and his beard. Following the overturn, a fire immediately broke out, which the pilot managed to escape before the aircraft was completely destroyed by flames. The investigation examined the sequence of events from the moment the pilot decided to end his flight to the moment the aircraft came to rest.
Findings
- The pilot was operating a Sycamore Mk1 gyrocopter with 40 total flying hours.
- The aircraft began to deviate from its path while taxiing at a moderate speed.
- A mechanical failure, specifically a possible puncture of the right-hand tire, may have initiated the rightward veer.
- The pilot's attempt to recover the aircraft led to a sudden swing to the left, contributing to the rollover.